As Euro2020 gets underway, Arsenal are scouring the transfer market as they look to put their dismal showing last season in the rearview mirror.
Mikel Arteta’s men finished 8th in the Premier League and will be without European football for the first time in 26 years.
With the Spaniard seemingly given the confidence of the club’s hierarchy, the Gunners could be splashing the cash in the transfer window this summer.
Much of the talk at present surrounds the departure of Granit Xhaka, who’s set to leave for Serie A side Roma.
The Switzerland international appears to be edging closer to a move while Arteta is on the hunt for his replacement and other reinforcements.
Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest transfer news at the Emirates.
White rival reports ‘wide of the mark’
After being included in England’s 26-man squad for EURO 2020 due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence, Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White has attracted interest from Arsenal.
The 23-year-old can play in a variety of positions and played 90 minutes in the Three Lions final friendly match ahead of the tournament, a 1-0 win over Romania last Saturday.
With reports of a departure from the Amex Stadium increasing, one potential suitor’s interest has been played down.
(Image: PA)
Having been a key component in Leeds United’s 2019-20 promotion campaign, LeedsLive claim the club have shown no interest in bringing him back to Elland Road this summer.
The Peacocks already have four senior centre-backs in their ranks, having signed two to replace White last summer.
So it’s good news for the Gunners, but other Premier League interest in the defender remains rife.
Ryan eyed above the border
Speaking of potential returning loanees from Brighton, Arteta’s task of bringing goalkeeper Mat Ryan back to the Emirates may have just got tougher.
The Scottish Sun say new Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is considering bringing his 29-year-old compatriot to Parkhead and continuing The Bhoys’ Australian links.
Ryan arrived at the Emirates on loan in January but only made three appearances as Bernd Leno’s understudy.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Aussie was Postecoglou’s no. 1 at the 2014 World Cup when the manager was in charge of the Socceroos and Ryan has made 60 caps for his country.
Robert Sanchez’s emergence saw him selected as Graham Potter’s first-choice stopper this season, leaving Ryan second string with just under 18 months until the next World Cup.
Although numerous clubs are interested, the Gunners reportedly haven’t given up hope of re-signing him.
Adams attracting interest elsewhere
With Xhaka’s departure appearing to be imminent, Arsenal are looking for a central midfield replacement.
RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams is supposedly one man on Arteta’s radar according to CBS Sports – but his club face stiff competition from other PL outfits also looking at the USA international.
Despite signing a new contract with the East German club in March and soon to be reunited with American coach Jesse Marsch, who gave him his debut for New York Red Bulls in 2016, CBS’ sources have indicated that the Bundesliga midfielder has a release clause in his contract.
Who should Arsenal replace Xhaka with? Comment below.
The Gunners are said to be ‘seriously interested’ but some sides who’ll be competing in Europe next term are better placed to secure his signature.
Extremely versatile, he can also fill in as a wing-back or right-back, which could appeal to Arteta if Hector Bellerin also packs his bags this summer.
Brighton’s Yves Bissouma has long been rumoured as an Emirates target, but the Malian midfielder will cost a pretty penny if he were to be prized away this summer.
